Study of PCM Technology for Application to Cultural Heritage Objects

The European project MESSIB (Multi-source Energy Storage System Integrated in Buildings) [1] is aimed at introducing new energy storage capacity in buildings, integrated with conventional installation and building architecture, in order to reduce energy consumption and improve energy management in terms of quality, security and indoor environment. The Phase Change Materials (PCMs) technology is well known in the civil engineering field where it is applied for short-term storage of thermal energy [2-4]. When applied to historic buildings with a conservation and/or display function, PCM technology needs to be adapted to specific requirements. Besides the important objectives of economy and people comfort, microclimate conditions have to be suitable for the conservation of works of art and of the historical building itself [5]. The application of the PCM technology to cultural heritage has been evaluated through a study and testing of methodologies of incorporation of PCMs in different materials. In particular, the thermal behaviour of gypsum panels and silicon coatings containing PCMs was characterized in the laboratory. Gypsum panels containing PCMs were also tested in the S. Croce Museum in Florence, where microclimatic monitoring showed that thermal conditions were dangerous for works of art. Laboratory tests were also carried out to evaluate VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) emissions by PCMs, before installing them in the field [6].